Overview of the system
IRAS is a single system for seeking and managing approvals for research in the UK. An overview of the steps involved in managing your project in IRAS is below:
Pre-approval
- Create a new project and assign the key roles (Chief Investigator, Project Deputy, Sponsor Group, and any Collaborators).
- Complete the project details, project information and upload all supporting documentation.
- Send the organisation assigned as the Sponsor, or Sponsor Delegate a 'Request to review' the application.
- Once authorised by the Sponsor or Sponsor Delegate, make a Research Ethics Committee (REC) booking and submit your application for review.
- Once submitted, your application is validated and sent to the MHRA for regulatory review and the REC for ethics review. Depending on where your trial will be taking place, your application will also be sent for HRA/HCRW review (for England and Wales) or NHS/HSC R&D Management Permission (for Scotland and Northern Ireland). You should check if any other reviews are needed for your project. If you are not sure then seek advice. Respond to any requests for further information from reviewers.
- Your review outcome is then issued.
Post-approval
- During your research ensure you're maintaining all your approvals in IRAS. This may mean submitting amendments, Developmental Safety Update Reports (DSURs) and reporting Urgent Safety Measures (USM).
- At the end of your research submit your end of study notification and final report.